When it comes to public education, there is much to celebrate. Educators, parents, and communities are working together to achieve excellence. Washington State’s fourth and eighth grade students continue to perform well above the national average in reading and mathematics. Students in our state consistently score higher than the national average on the ACT. And on the SAT, students had the highest average scores in the nation among states where more than half the eligible students took the test.
Here in the Snoqualmie Valley School District, student achievement is also a source of pride. Recently, our school district was recognized by the College Board as one of just four districts named to their prestigious AP Achievement List for the second consecutive year. The AP Achievement List recognizes districts for increasing student participation in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, while at the same time, increasing the level of student performance on AP exams.
Last year, four of our schools were recognized as Washington Achievement Award winners by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for performing in the top 5 percent of schools in the entire state, and a fifth was named a Washington School of Distinction.
These very real accomplishments show that our schools need—and have earned—continued support. The commitment to improve must be a shared goal in which the educators, students, parents, policymakers, and communities are engaged.
November 14 to 18 is the 90th anniversary of American Education Week. American Education Week presents an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and recognize the contributions of the staff in our schools who are committed to helping all students achieve their potentials. In honor of American Education Week, I encourage you to visit our schools and the district website (www.svsd410.org) to learn more about what’s really going on in our schools.
We are proud of the accomplishments of our students and the talented educators who work with them each day. We are also appreciative of the wonderful support that parents and community patrons provide to assist us in the important endeavor of educating the children of this Valley. Thank you for your continued support and involvement; it is essential if we are to further advance the excellence of our schools.
Joel Aune
Superintendent Snoqualmie Valley Schools
